Two Members Of Cro-Mags Attacked With Knife By Former Bassist

Two members of the influential hardcore band Cro-Mags have been slashed with a knife by the band’s former bassist Harvey Flanagan.

According to the New York Post, the incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. last night, during the CBGB Festival at Webster Hall in New York City.
 
It is alleged that Flanagan, who was a founding member of Cro-Mags, armed himself with a hunting knife, made his way past security and entered the Cro-Mags’ dressing room. Upon reaching the dressing room, it is reported that Flanagan cut the band’s current bassist Michael Couls on his arm and stomach and slashed William Berario, who is apparently a new member of the group, above the eye and bit him on the cheek.
 
Several security guards moved in to apprehend Flanagan, who is a trained Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter. Flanagan suffered a broken leg before he was finally restrained.
 
“People started booing him and throwing stuff at him,” a witness told the Post. “His hands were handcuffed but he still gave everyone the finger.”
 
Couls and Berario were taken to the nearby Bellevue Hospital, where they were treated for non life-threatening wounds. Flanagan was also taken to the hospital to treat his broken leg. It is reported that he now faces two counts of second degree assault and a weapons charge.
 
“He was able to get in because somebody messed up and gave him a CBGBs Conference pass,” Cro-Mags lead singer John Joseph told NY1. “As soon as I heard that, I called up security and I said ‘look, watch out for this dude.’ So he came in there last night. And when you show up to a concert with a hunting knife, you’re not showing up to cut some corn. You’re coming in there to start trouble.”
 
The organizers of the CBGB Festival had the following to say: “We are saddened to learn about the events that occurred last night at Webster Hall. Our primary concern is always the safety and experience of New Yorkers, music fans and the general public. Naturally we will fully cooperate with law enforcement while hoping for the speedy recovery of those injured.”